Former Prairie View A&M football player Jackson Bailey has died, the program announced on Tuesday.
The cause of death for the 22-year-old has not been revealed.
Bailey joined the football program for the 2023 season but did not appear in any games for the university located in Texas.
“The Department of Athletics at Prairie View A&M University offers its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, teammates, and fraternity brothers of Jackson ‘Jacks’ Bailey, a valued member of both the Panther football team and the broader PVAMU community,” expressed the university in a statement.
“Jackson joined the football squad for the 2023–24 season. Although he did not play in any formal games, his influence and enthusiasm left a significant mark within the team and throughout the campus. As a dedicated member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. – Zeta Beta Chapter, Jackson epitomized the qualities of brotherhood, resilience, and purpose.”
“He chose Prairie View A&M to stay closer to home, and in turn, became an unforgettable part of our university family. Even though his tenure at PVAMU was short, the influence he had will resonate for many years. We pay tribute to and memorialize Jackson ‘Jacks’ Bailey not only for his potential and promise but for his way of living—with intention, humor, humility, and heart.”
Family members also paid tribute to Bailey on Facebook.
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of my brother, Jackson Phillip Bailey as of Monday June 9, 2025,” the statement reads. “A loving son, brother, teammate, LB, and friend—his presence was a gift to everyone who knew him. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Funeral details TBA. Rest easy, Baby Boy. We love you.”
The Red Oak, Texas native began his college football career at Arizona, entering his freshman as a three-star linebacker recruit and went on to redshirt the 2021 season before transferring to Louisiana-Monroe.
He played nine games in the 2022 season, tallying 14 total tackles and one quarterback hurry.
During his junior year of high school, Red Oak reached the regional finals of the Texas 5A D2 State Playoffs where Bailey led the Hawks with 60 total tackles, along with nine tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries.
In his senior year, he had 57 total tackles with four for loss, along with one sack, three quarterback hurries, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
That season, the school advanced to the quarterfinals of the Texas 5A D1 State Playoffs.
